Wario Land II

unpopular opinion: wario land 2 > 3

I know this series wouldn't go full Metroidvania until the next game, but this game scratches loads of the same very specific itches that 2D Metroid games do for me:
-I feel the need to compulsively shoulder-check every wall and butt-slam every floor tile to check for secrets, just like systematically morph-ball bombing every tile in Metroid
-The slope-rolling mechanic leads to a similar fast-paced environmental puzzle solving as the speed boost + shinespark puzzles
-Even though it's strictly level-based, the levels themselves often involve a lot of tight and efficient use of space, with paths looping back in on themselves in interesting ways, so that on the first time you're exploring it might take a while, but once you've beaten the level once and found the treasure room, you can blaze through it in like half the time.

Just a real great game.

When I grabbed a fake coin that turned into fish bait and a fish with a fishing rod pulled me out of the water, I knew this was a great ass game

I cheat by using save states on every single treasure guessing game cause it's what Wario would've wanted

Loved and wild how creative this was, but agree with how annoying the boss fights are. Game pretty much begs you to play with save states. Also agree with that review about the true final level. What the fuck was that? ha